Beinn Fhionnlaidh is a straightforward Munro forming a long west-east ridge from Glen Creran. It is a good viewpoint with views out to sea to the west and inland giving an unfamiliar aspect of Glencoe and Glen Etive.
Summary
Straightforward mountain walk following a long ridge with no clear path and boggy sections.
Terrain
NN036488
Grid ref
14.5km/9 miles
Distance
Grade
NB. Hillwalking when there is snow on the hills requires an ice-axe, crampons and winter skills and experience.
Car park at end of public road, Glen Creran
[Map of start point, satnav coords and directions]
Start
Maps
Users'
rating
No public transport to the start.
Open Traveline Scotland
Public transport
1. Start at the parking area at the public road end in Glen Creran. Follow the path through the gate posts following the signs for Glen Etive and Glenure Lodge. Continue on the minor road passing a house and crossing a bridge over the River Creran. When you reach a fork in front of Glenure Lodge turn left towards a white cottage and barn. Pass this building to the right and go through a farm gateway. Immediately turn left and go through another gate. The main right hand track leads to Glen Etive. Pass behind the second cottage and follow the rough track until a pine wood is reached.
2. Just a short way alongside the trees, a smaller track branches right uphill. Take this track and climb up through the trees and then above a small stream on the right. The track ends soon after the forestry, there is a muddy turning area. From here a faint path continues straight ahead and starts climbing the main ridge of Beinn Fhionnlaidh.
3. Soon the path peters out and the route continues uphill, over rough ground with some steep sections. The summit is not visible at this stage although the views down the glen and out to sea improve all the time. It is also a good chance to look at the steep flanks of Beinn Sgulaird directly south across Glen Ure.
4. Eventually the steepness of the ridge gives way to a short level section with a couple of lochans. It doesn't really matter which way round either of these small pools you go, just continue heading east uphill. The ground steepens until the final approach to the summit is reached through a slightly confusing area of smaller tops. The summit (959m) is not seen until it is nearly reached and it is a small pointy feature with a large cairn and trig point on the far side.
5. From the summit there are good all round views including Loch Etive to the south, steep Sgurr na h'Ulaidh to the north with a view into Glencoe. It is possible to climb Beinn Fhionnlaidh from Glen Etive but the route is steep and involves a lot of forestry on the lower slopes. The return route to Glen Creran is by the same outward ridge, however there are excellent views down the glen and out to sea as you descend.
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